Police: Mason Decosmo's mother not present when toddler died

State police Lt. Michael Drake said Friday that Katlin Wolfert, the mother of two-year-old Mason Decosmo, has been cooperating with the investigation.

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By James Nani

recordonline.com

By James Nani

Posted Aug. 9, 2014 at 8:45 AM
Updated Aug 9, 2014 at 8:57 AM

By James Nani

Posted Aug. 9, 2014 at 8:45 AM
Updated Aug 9, 2014 at 8:57 AM

» Social News

MILTON — The mother of a toddler who was killed by her boyfriend after several days of beatings was not present when the boy died or was beaten, police say.

State police Lt. Michael Drake said Friday that Katlin Wolfert, the mother of two-year-old Mason Decosmo, has been cooperating with the investigation.

“I think there was an awareness (from Wolfert) that there were a couple of bruises that may not have been explained,” Drake said. “But the injuries the kid sustained that caused his death, I don’t believe she had any involvement or any real awareness of that part of it.”

Still, Drake said the investigation was continuing.

“I would be remiss if I said to you ‘Nope she’s free and clear or yes we’re charging her,’” he said.

Wolfert said she wishes she could comment but has been advised not to by investigators.

Kenneth “Kenny” Stahli, 26, of Marlboro, was arraigned on second-degree murder charges Thursday and sent to Ulster County Jail without bail. He’s due back in Marlborough court Monday afternoon.

He lived with them in the trailer at 16 Walnut Park Lane, in a mobile home park a couple of turns off Route 9W in the Town of Marlborough. He had been in charge of watching Mason and her other son, nine-month-old Jackson, while the mother worked, Drake said. There was no sign that Jackson suffered any injuries, he said.

Drake believes Mason’s injuries occurred over 10-14 days, but was at a loss for an explanation why.

An autopsy showed Mason died of blunt force trauma after continued abuse, according to a press release from state police and Ulster County District Attorney Holley Carnright.

Drake wasn't sure of the motive behind the beatings, but police did interview Stahli at length before arresting him. He wouldn't go into specifics about remarks Stahli made to police.